Home for Layout and Collection--A Reality

If you can make the larger size work for you, do it, you will not regret this move. Also while you are in the early stages, plan for a good exhaust fan, you will not regret this either. Windows will be a real plus as well.

 

I know the feeling you are going through. I also put up a building essentially for the layout. I installed a large exhaust fan and have four windows in the train room. It turned out very well for me. Don't forget heat if applicable and a/c if you are in the deep south.

 

Good luck with your project and please post some photos when you start the building.

All the best to you as your plans materialize.  Please do keep us posted with progress reports when time permits.

That's awesome.  Like you said, there's no turning back now.  Have fun, and long may it last.

Sounds terrific

Have fun

 Good for you. You know this forum will help if you have any questions or problems. Don

Are Hoover buildings built with steel sided sides and roofs?  Do they have high, open ceilings? I have thought about one of these for my trains.  The height and openness of the space is ideal.

 

I would say go for the extra space.  Be sure to seal the concrete floor to keep down the dust and the moisture out.

 

Jan

Any chance of having plumbing to the building? A lavatory is a handy convenience....as well as a sink with running water.

Something else to think about if the concrete is not poured yet.

Try the in floor heating system. It's basically rubber tubing in the concrete

that is heated by a boiler. Max temp on the boiler is about 115 deg.

I have it in my layout room and love every minute of it. Considering you

will probably spend a lot of time on the floor underneath the layout  it's great

to have a heated floor. Keeps you feet warm also when running trains...

 

Bruce..

Charles....Glad you are about to make the dream happen!!  As you and I have already said in e-mails, the urban themed layout is very exciting and has endless detail possibilities.  Go as large as you can as I feel you will be thankful that you did.  If you are going to build skyscrapers, then try to have as tall a ceiling as possible.  My ceiling is an average of 10.5 feet and I planned for that as I knew I would need it for my city buildings.  I have not only scratch built many of my buildings but I have extensively used most of the old girder and panel kits and also the Uberarc sets.  The large greenish blue building in the picture below is made up of two of their large sets.  I have many girder and panel sets that I collected over the years that need a home so let me know if I can help you achieve that "skyline" in your city!!

 

Alan

 

This is a rough drawing of a 20 x 30 layout with 72" or greater curves.  The crossing is an over under, possible mountain in the center with mines. Workbench and storage on the right.  This is a single loop.  You could add /reconfigure the plan for additional loops.  With modern cruise control you can run 3 or 4 medium trains at once.  Add passing sidings and other refinements.  This is just a concept to get you thinking as to why you should do the bigger building.  That extra 10' makes a huge difference.  

Have fun with your planning.

Dan

Passenter Train Collector, it will have heating and air conditioning.  Most likely will be a window split unit designed for the square footage of the building.  No plumbing in the works. 

 

Jan, Hoover Building are steel sides and roofs.  Yes, you may keep the high, open ceilings.  I may do this as a cost method plus a ceiling may impede several tall buildings I wish to build.  Hoover is quite busy and never heard any negatives about their buildings. The local guy in our area constructs buildings for many of the Nascar race teams.

 

Dan, you're not far off on the layout plans.  I've basically got mine in my head.  The only item I got to worry about is I would like one wall to display trains.  Over the years, I've accumulated several. 

 

Alan, got your email and we'll talk about the buildings very soon.